History of Srikanteswara Temple

It is believed that the temple was consecrated by the Western Ganga dynasty during the 9th -10 century A.D. The kings of the Chola dynasty later made contributions to the temple’s architecture in the 11th century. Later, several additions were made to the temple structure by the Hoysala kings. Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali were believed to have been closely associated with the temple. The Wodeyar kings of Mysore also carried out renovations in the temple.

According to legend, an Asura by the name of Kesian was terribly venomous and he was harassing the Devas. The troubled Devas ran to Shiva for protection. He asked them to conduct a yagna at the site where there was the confluence of the three rivers – Kapila, Koundini and Manikarnika, and throw the Asura into the fire pit when he arrived. The Devas followed the advice of Shiva and when Kesian appeared at the yagna, under the pretext of welcoming him, they threw him into the fire. God appeared as Agni(fire) and destroyed the Asura. Shiva stayed in the place in the form of a Lingam and came to be known as Nanjundeshwara, after destroying the poisonous Asura.

Over time, the Lingam disappeared. Later Parashurama arrived at the place and installed a Shiva Lingam, as penance for having killed his mother, Renuka Devi. He installed the Shiva Lingam and began purifying the place. When he removed the bushes, he found a Lingam bleeding. The injury caused by Parashurama is still visible on the Lingam. He was about to end his life for causing injury to the Lingam when God appeared and gave him darshan. It is believed Parashurama built the temple here.

Source Copied : https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/temples/south-india/srikanteshwara-temple-nanjangud

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